Novel coronavirus

Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine appears safe and effective, study says

By Maria Cheng, Daria Litvinova, Associated Press

Russian scientists say the country's Sputnik V vaccine appears safe and effective against COVID-19, according to early results of an advanced study published in a British medical journal.

Biden meets Republicans on COVID-19 aid, but no quick deal

By Lisa Mascaro, Josh Boak, Jonathan Lemire, Associated Press

Maine Sen. Susan Collins says the two-hour meeting Monday evening resulted in no compromise on differences. But she and the other Republicans say there was agreement to keep discussions going over their smaller, more targeted package.

WATCH: White House COVID-19 response team says U.S. cases down, but 3 variants detected

By Associated Press

The head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are down in recent weeks, but three mutations that are causing concern have been detected in the U.S.

Vaccinated congressman tests positive for virus

By Associated Press

A statement says Lynch isn’t displaying any symptoms of COVID-19. Lynch will self-quarantine and vote by proxy in Congress in the coming week.

Seattle hospitals rush out vaccines after freezer failure

By Associated Press

Seattle hospitals rushed out COVID-19 vaccines to hundreds of people in the middle of the night after a freezer they were being stored in failed.

WATCH: Jia Tolentino on what role online shaming plays in the COVID era

By Joshua Barajas

The "Trick Mirror" author said there was a social media-driven behavior she has mixed feelings about: People hiding any behavior from their online communities that would draw shame during the global health emergency.

France closing borders to travelers outside European Union

By Associated Press

Castex ordered stepped up police checks of those who violate France’s 12-hour-a-day curfew, hold secret parties or reopen restaurants in defiance of a closure order in place since October.

How chef Gabriela Cámara had to adapt her restaurant for the pandemic

By Joshua Barajas, Jeffrey Brown

Like countless others in the restaurant world, the Mexican chef's Contramar faced an uncertain future once the coronavirus pandemic hit. As restaurants continue to adapt, Cámara spoke about the lasting impacts on Mexico's food scene.

Canada to impose more travel restrictions in response to COVID-19 variants

By Associated Press

The prime minister said those with positive tests will be immediately required to quarantine in designated government facilities to make sure they’re not carrying variants of particular concern.

WATCH: White House task force urges greater vigilance against COVID-19 variants

By Associated Press

Ahead of Friday's briefing, the new director of the Centers for Disease Control, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, says officials have “scaled up” their surveillance of new coronavirus variants in the United States.